DEPARTMENT of ACCOUNTING and FINANCE

ACCOUNTING MAJOR

Accountants lead businesses, providing financial management for day-to-day operations and the financing strategy needed to move organizations into the future.

When you study accounting, you build on your strengths as a problem solver, a “numbers person” and a thoughtful decision maker. You learn to implement accounting best practices, read complex financial documents, analyze trends in data, collaborate with co-workers and solve complicated problems in an accounting environment.

I walked into my first accounting class thinking I had no interest or strength in the subject. But I quickly discovered that I was quite good at it and that accounting is the love language of business.
Harpreet Singh, Accounting Major Alumni

What to expect

Begin your program by learning foundational business and accounting concepts; then move to advanced courses that invite you to dig deeper. You progress from calculation to analysis to decision making, cumulatively acquiring the skills necessary to fulfill the requirements for the CPA designation.

The business world knows the value of data analytics, and our curriculum reflects this trend. All accounting students are introduced to data analysis, and in your third and fourth years, you have the option of more in-depth study in this increasingly important area, focusing on data analysis specific to accounting contexts such as auditing, management and taxes.

Courses & Requirements
Check the academic calendar to find the courses you need to take and the requirements you must fulfill to complete your program.
Academic Calendar

Your future

Set yourself up for a career that is associated with stability, security and an above-average income. When you major in accounting, you position yourself for advancement in the workplace as you gain experience and professional designations.

Expertise

As an accounting professional, you contribute to your organization’s growth and prosperity. Because accounting is an integral part of any organization’s day-to-day operations, you are providing skills and knowledge that all employers value. When you major in accounting, you learn to:

  • Analyze situations from multiple perspectives
  • Use data to solve problems
  • Think critically
  • Work collaboratively
  • Lead projects and teams
  • Communicate clearly
  • Understand general business practices
  • Understand accounting best practices
  • Use accounting software
  • Prepare financial statements

Because accountants use financial data to support business goals, organizations rely on you to to make decisions related to:

  • Moving into new markets
  • Starting or ending business ventures
  • Launching new products
  • Avoiding unprofitable business moves
  • Finding creative ways to reduce waste and unnecessary spending
Careers

When you graduate with an accounting major, you can find a job in private business, public accounting firms, financial institutions, government, not-for-profit organizations, hospitals, industry and consulting firms. Career options include:

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Business analyst
  • Budget analyst
  • Controller
  • Chief financial officer (CFO)
  • Financial analyst
  • Financial planner
  • Investment advisor
  • Banking, credit and other types of investment managers
Resources

We recommend these resources to learn more about working in the accounting field:

The Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) hosts detailed occupational profiles, salary survey data, trend reports and assessment tools to help you choose and plan a career that matches your skills and interests.

The small class sizes made it easier to participate in class and helped me develop the presentation and communication skills I use in my career.
Matthew Peddie, Accounting major Alumni

CPA Logo

Get your CPA designation

When you major in accounting at MacEwan, you learn the competencies required by Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) and qualify for the CPA’s Professional Education Program. The CPA designation is one of the oldest and best-established business professional designations. Getting your CPA designation allows you to move into the highest levels of the accounting profession.

Learn about CPA designation
Academic advising
This program of study is open to students in the Bachelor of Commerce. Courses for your major, minor or Honours discipline are only one component of your degree. Academic advisors in the School of Business have prepared program planning resources to help you understand degree requirements.